Back up Word's four critical files 

Should you run into a problem with bizarre behavior in Word from corrupt files or want to transfer Word to another computer, your backup files will make the task easier. 

1.   Normal.dot:  Stores formatted AutoCorrect entries, AutoText entries, keyboard shortcuts, menu customizations, custom toolbars, styles, macros.

2.   .acl file:  Stores unformatted AutoCorrect entries.  The easiest way to locate this file is to add an entry and look for the most current modified date in your search.

3.   custom.dic file:  Words you add during spell check.

4.  Templates you create (.dot files).

Some installations of Windows hides various files.  If your search does not reveal your files, go to Windows Explorer / Tools menu / Folder Options / View tab and check the box to Show all hidden files and clear the check mark next to Hide extensions for known file types.  Run your search again.

With some installations of Word and Windows, your system may not locate or recognize the normal.dot and .acl file until you make valid changes to each file.  Add entries to AutoCorrect and AutoText, close Word and answer Yes to the prompt to save normal.dot, then run your search again.